Carnival Preparation Volunteer Programme, Brazil

The goal of the volunteer programme in Brazil is to make a positive impact on Brazilian society and on the projects in which they take place, and promote intercultural exchange. It is the ideal travel experience for those who want to go beyond the ordinary.

From November-February, the Carnival Programme allows volunteers to get involved in the preparation and hard work that goes into one of the biggest parties on the face of the earth! Samba schools competing at the Carnival have a full year of intense work to prepare the many floats, costumes, music and dances. Samba schools are born from the local favelas and most of the schools take their names from the community they represent. Each school unifies and proudly represents people from that community, and all Cariocas (Rio-born Brazilians) also have their favourite school.

Volunteers help some of the leading samba schools in the preparation of costumes or decoration of the floats – you don’t need any special skills, just a willingness to work hard. Whilst you are hard at work you can also engage in some Portuguese and English language exchange with your fellow workers. There are many large warehouses available where each school of the Special Group (the best schools) has the space to build and store their floats and work on their costumes. Volunteers are also welcome to go to the rehearsals at the Samba school to see the amazing samba dancers, hear the bateria (drum group) and hopefully learn some new moves.

Please note! The dates for Carnival change every year (it’s held 40 days before Easter). Volunteers do not get to participate in the Carnival parade for free. This is an extra and needs to be arranged separately in-country with the local staff.

Location

Bustling metropolises, nestled among forested hills, sit alongside stretching coastline; creating a stark contrast between nature and city. But this is characteristic of Brazil, where an effervescent culture sets itself up amidst immense natural wonders. Between the two, this large South American country is bursting at the seams with the spectacular. Colonial architecture tangles with the sheer diversity of the people that mingle along the streets, making the food, music and dance a unique blend of influences from around the globe.

Rio de Janeiro, the self proclaimed cultural capital of Brazil, is the second most populous city in the country with its 6.5 million people. This UNESCO heritage city is among the most visited in South America and is famous for its beaches, natural wonders, sights like Christ the Redeemer, and not to forget the largest party of the year, Carnival!

Accommodation

As a volunteer in Brazil, you will be staying in a charming Hostel located on the lower part of Santa Teresa neighbourhood. The hostel has many leisure areas, free Wi-Fi and laundry service. Breakfast is provided and there is a fully equipped kitchen that volunteers can use to prepare other meals. All rooms have lockers (just bring your own lock).

The hostel has 3 floors. On the first floor there is the reception where you can always find a friendly face, a large living/TV room, a veranda with a bar and tables to chill out, a big kitchen with a dinning area next to it, a big dinning table, and even a music room; if you play any instrument you are welcome to bring it along and/or play with the instruments that the hostel already has.

On the second floor there are the shared dorms where our volunteers and other guests stay, and bathrooms. And on the third floor there are private rooms available at an extra fee. The hostel tries to book one room exclusively for the volunteers. However, when this room is full, we accommodate volunteers in other rooms.

Project Dates

Volunteers can join from 2 weeks up to 24 weeks as a maximum between November and February (24 weeks is if you are from a country that can extend your tourist visa in-country, if not the maximum stay is 12 weeks).